Mātua me tamarikiParents and tamariki

You know what is best for your whānau when it comes to their hauora and what they need. The information on this page is to tautoko you to make the best decision for your whānau.

Tamariki aged 6 months to 4 years who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, can be vaccinated. Those eligible are children who are severely immunocompromised, or who have complex and/or multiple health conditions. Visit the Starship website for qualifying health conditions which put your infant at risk.

Qualifying health conditions for tamariki 6 months to 4 years

 Tamariki aged 6 months to 4 years who are not in the risk categories have a very low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19 and so do not need and are not eligible for the vaccine.

Tamariki aged 5-11 are eligible for the vaccine. They will need two doses to be fully immunised. For most tamariki, they are given at least eight weeks apart. 

Tamariki who have been vaccinated are much less likely to get seriously māuiui from COVID-19 or spread the virus to others. 

Tamariki can get a vaccine three months after they test positive for COVID-19. This gap gives their immune system time to recover from COVID-19 and ensure their immune response is as strong as possible.

Tamariki aged 5 - 11 who are immunocompromised or who are at higher risk of getting seriously māuiui from COVID-19 can have a shorter gap between the two doses of the vaccine. They may also be able to get an extra primary dose to help protect them. Have a kōrero with your hauora provider or doctor if you think your tamaiti is eligible.

You can make a vaccination booking  by calling Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 or visiting BookMyVaccine.nz

BookMyVaccine

Preparing tamariki to get vaccinated

There are some practical things you can do to help your tamariki when they get vaccinated.

• Make sure they have had something to eat or drink beforehand.
• Dress them in something with easy access to their upper arm.
• Bring a fun distraction, like a toy.
• Have a kōrero with them about what is going to happen.
• Reassure them about why getting vaccinated is important to their hauora and your whānau.

The chance of getting side effects are very low and the side effects for tamariki are similar to those for adults. These include:

• feeling tired or achy
• feeling feverish of sweaty
• a headache
• feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhoea
• general discomfort and feeling unwell.

These side effects are common, usually mild and show the vaccine is working. They will only last one or two days. Getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids will help.

Severe reactions to the vaccine are very rare and usually occur straight away after the vaccination. After getting a vaccination, they will need to stay for at least 15 minutes so that a health professional can monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.

You should immediately report any chest pain, dizziness or feeling faint to your doctor or hauora provider.

For more helpful tips on preparing your tamariki for getting vaccinated, visit the Kidshealth or Unite against COVID-19 websites.

COVID-19 vaccination – preparing your tamariki

Vaccination for children

Tamariki under 16 years are not eligible for a booster. Currently, only rangatahi aged 16+ can get a booster.

If you are hapū, trying to get hapū or breastfeeding, you are encouraged to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations. The vaccine can be given at any stage of your pregnancy.

The vaccine protects you and your pēpi, and you are less likely to become seriously māuiui if you do get COVID-19.

It also helps protect other vulnerable people in your whānau such as tamariki who are too young to be vaccinated, kaumātua or immunocompromised. You can get the vaccine or booster at any stage of your pregnancy.

If you are vaccinated and breastfeeding, you will provide extra protection for your pēpi through antibodies in your breastmilk.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website or our helpful links page.

For more information, visit the COVID-19 vaccine: Pregnancy and breastfeeding page on the Ministry of Health website.

COVID-19 vaccine: Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Helpful links

If you are hapū, trying to get hapū or breastfeeding, you are encouraged to get a booster. The booster vaccine can be given at any stage of your pregnancy.  

The booster is available for whānau aged:

• 18 and over who have been fully vaccinated for at least three months
• 16-17 who have been fully vaccinated for at least six months.

Hapū māmā who are immunocompromised or at risk of getting seriously māuiui from COVID-19 may be able to get a second booster. 

For more information on boosters, visit our Get boosted page.

Get boosted

How to get a vaccination

You can use our online map tool to find a kaupapa Māori clinic near you to get your COVID-19 vaccination.

Find a clinic

You can make a whānau or group booking by phoning the COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline team on 0800 358 5453.